Curved Telescoping Orthodontic Bite Corrector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic bite correctors often impinge on adjacent soft tissue and can be uncomfortable for patients, with a need for improved placement and versatility without increasing cost or discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile orthodontic bite corrector with a curved telescoping assembly that closely hugs the external surfaces of teeth, reducing the risk of tissue impingement and discomfort, featuring a central, longitudinal axis that matches the curvature of the jaws and includes a tubular outer member and a conical-shaped collar for secure connection to dental arches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bite corrector is used, then the dental arches can be corrected for alignment, but the device impinges on adjacent soft tissue and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The bite corrector employs a curved telescoping assembly with a central longitudinal axis that matches the curvature of the patient's jaws. The outer member is tubular and the inner member is conical-shaped, both designed with curved surfaces that conform to the natural anatomy of the dental arches and surrounding soft tissue, thereby reducing impingement and improving comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The bite corrector utilizes a telescoping mechanism where the inner member is received within the outer member. This nested structure allows the device to adapt its profile thickness dynamically - when retracted, it minimizes protrusion into the oral cavity reducing soft tissue contact, while still maintaining structural integrity and functional effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If the bite corrector is made low profile to reduce tissue impingement, then patient comfort improves, but the device may bind or kink during jaw movement
Solution Approach 1:
The curved geometry of the telescoping assembly is specifically designed to match the jaw curvature, which distributes mechanical stresses along the curved surface rather than creating sharp corners that could bind or kink. The smooth curved transition between the conical inner member and tubular outer member prevents stress concentration points
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the inner member to move relative to the outer member along the curved axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to accommodate jaw movement without binding, while maintaining a low profile when not under stress
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bite corrector is designed to be versatile for different patients, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite corrector is designed with universal applicability through its curved telescoping assembly that can be adapted to different jaw configurations. The same basic structure with adjustable telescoping components can serve multiple patient types and malocclusion conditions, eliminating the need for entirely different devices for each patient scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the device to be customized for different patients by adjusting the telescoping distance and curvature parameters. This dynamic adaptability achieves versatility without requiring multiple complex device designs, as a single design can be adjusted to fit various patient needs
Data Source
AI summary
A bite corrector for moving the relative positions of the jaws includes a telescoping assembly with an outer member and an inner member received in the outer member. The outer and inner members have matching, curved configurations. Both of the members remain in close proximity to the patient's dentition during opening and closing movement of the jaws and the likelihood of contact of the bite corrector with adjacent tissue in the patient's oral cavity is reduced.